SACRAMENTO -- Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, issues this statement regarding Gov. Brown’s State of the State address:

“Fixing our transportation infrastructure is a high priority and I agree with Gov. Brown that California is ready to work with the new administration if it is earnest in preserving and expanding our transportation infrastructure. Investing in our infrastructure will create jobs that can boost our economy.

SAN JOSE – In agreements brokered by Sen. Jim Beall, the state will give Santa Clara County up to $4.9 million to help resolve two long-standing problems plaguing the community -- highway blight and the high unemployment rate for people released on probation.